Thiruvananthapuram, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Naman Dhir needed nearly 10 minutes to absorb the news that his maiden India call-up had become a reality after initially dismissing a congratulatory message on social media as spam.
Dhir has been included in India’s 15-member ODI squad for the three-match home series against the West Indies, beginning September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. The Punjab all-rounder’s selection was announced on September 16, marking his first call-up to the senior national side.
Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI, Dhir recalled that he was in Punjab after the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament when he received the unexpected message.
He said he initially ignored it, assuming it was spam, but opened the official team announcement later and saw his name among the selected players.
“I couldn’t process it for 10 minutes. I mean, I’ve been selected here. But yes, it was a surreal feeling. First of all, I called my father; he was very happy. He had a lot of emotions coming out,” Dhir said.
The Faridkot-based cricketer’s journey to the national team has followed a long and difficult route. After representing Punjab at the U-16 level, he went without playing competitive cricket for six to seven years before making a breakthrough in the U-25 tournament. That eventually led to his Ranji Trophy opportunity and an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians.
Dhir first made a major impact in the IPL in 2024, when he struck 62 off 28 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. He subsequently progressed through the India A setup and continued to attract attention with his performances.
His decisive push for the India call-up came in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament, where he scored 655 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 217.61. His campaign included a remarkable 173 off 64 balls.
The call-up came shortly after Dhir was also named in India A’s squad for the one-dayers against Australia A.
For Dhir, the opportunity also represents the prospect of sharing a dressing room with players he grew up watching, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
“The memories of the 2011 World Cup, everyone’s, the Champions Trophy 2013. So sharing the dressing room with them was a big deal for me,” he said.
With India beginning its ODI series against the West Indies on September 27, Dhir said he wants to make the most of an opportunity he has spent years working towards.
“Getting the India cap, I don’t know how I’ll feel then. But right now, what I’m thinking is that I want to enjoy this moment to the fullest because I’ve waited my whole life for this moment,” he said.
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